Based on the timeline, you didn’t go to the movies until after the deadline to submit, so she could have gotten a hold of you, and anything that happened after noon doesn’t really seem relevant. I wouldn’t continue working with someone who ignored my express directive, because I would constantly be worried about it happening again and I shouldn’t have to baby sit a professional.

Thanks for the reply Kirsten. You are correct, I didn't go to the movies until after the deadline of 12:00pm. I submitted everything my real estate agent needed by 11:00am. I thought it was a given that she was going to submit the bid. I didn't even think of confirming she actually sent my bid, because like you said I shouldn't have to babysit a professional. I'm going to fire her today. I have to check my contract as I think she made me sign some buyer exclusive thing that would mean I can't buy a house until mid March without her getting her commission (but I doubt I would close anything by then anyways).

You’re welcome :) And I’m sorry you lost this property, but for what it’s worth, I often find that the thing I waited longer for was meant to be! I would also check your contract to see if her failure to submit constitutes a breach so that you can terminate the relationship. You could also express your upset and concern and see if she’s willing to just part ways amicably now. But you certainly shouldn’t have to wait a month to continue your search, or otherwise be forced to work with someone who has already failed to act in their duties.

I think you're right! I read my contract and it says I can get out if the real estate agent defaults on their obligations. One of the obligations in the contract is: "Present all offers to and from Buyer in a timely manner regardless of whether Buyer is already a party to a contract for the Purchase of Property".

Do you think that is my way out?

It probably is. It’s likely that after this experience the realtor doesn’t want to work with you any more than you with her. Advice: next time you submit a bid don’t go MIA on your realtor.

Once I finalized my paperwork, my real estate agent never said anything about having complete availability. Especially since the deadline to submit had already passed I thought I was safe and the bid had already been forwarded to the seller. My real estate agent went rogue in trying to lower my offer.

"I thought I was safe and the bid had already been forwarded to the seller."

Your mistake!

That's great advice, Denita. I will definitely be asking for a termination letter in writing signed by all parties.

On a side note - the house I wanted got listed Thursday morning. They stopped taking offers at 12pm Saturday. I know some sellers want to move fast, but I think it would be smart to let offers roll into Sunday night, giving people at least one full weekend to look at the house and make an offer. They cost themselves $5k or possibly more on this one.

Just so you know, it may pay you to make a back up offer on this one in case the first one falls through. You aren't obligated to keep your backup offer in place if you find something else you can withdraw it.

Yes make a back up offer! My agent didn't suggest that I do so on a house I really liked and it did come back on the market.

I know some sellers want to move fast, but I think it would be smart to let offers roll into Sunday night, giving people at least one full weekend to look at the house and make an offer.

I don't like my money being held hostage. I would be very hesitant of making an offer and letting the sellers sit on it for a weekend while they looked for better offers. I respect you hoping for a better offer, but then reject mine and allow me to look for other properties to make offers on. I am not going to make an offer that expires 4 days later so I can accommodate your search for the best deal. I have submitted several offers that expired before announced best and final dates and I love those, because they are less risk to me, several times I have decided not to honor an offer that the sellers didn't accept before expiration.

I fired her today! We both signed a termination agreement. I'll find another agent and start the hunt over again.

Good luck

I would have contacted the LA to make an offer, you can bet the LA wants your offer to succeed. I understand you may not have dual agent in your area, if so, ignore my comment.